Despite heavy rain falling throughout the previous night, Duffield travelled to Castle Donnington boosted by Howard Turners availability after the cancellation of a touring match he was scheduled to play in. Dirty Den dropped out to work on the latest Windows release, prospectively titled Windows DD (not a reference to Antills cup size). Dave Olsen also was unavailable so (Darts) Mason came in for his first appearance of the summer. Rob Scatterwood also made joined the ranks for the first time in 2003, complete with Busted style haircut.

Set against the backdrop of East Midlands Airport and a less than salubrious council estate, Gonzo lost the toss yet again. Duffield were asked to bat first by Donningtons lanky youth skipper. Again Antill and Wendon opened up, Wendon the first to fall, timbers down early doors. Howard came in at three and after a short partnership with The Ant, was bowled round his legs, by the Donnington skipper.

Dickie joined the Ant at the crease and they set about rebuilding the innings. The Ant played patiently, finding it difficult to time ball against the fairly pedestrian pace offered by the Donnington seamers. Dickie was looking good, smashing a big six over cover and defending with little trouble.

The partnership was building slowly, the Donnington bowlers keeping a tight line with few bad balls on a pitch that offered very little in terms of pace. Dickie, after looking so comfortable, then played across a full toss from the Donnington skipper. Again, maybe deceived by the lack of pace on the delivery, he was early on the shot, the ball striking him on the pad leaving the umpire in no doubt that the ball was going on to hit the stumps. Just as the partnership was beginning to become substantial, it was brought to a close, JT frustrated that he had not gone on and made a score.

In at number five was Dave (Gonzo) Stevenson, after a couple of firm strikes he became the forth victim for the Donningtons skipper, his off stump split in two. Next in was Max Bygraves (Junior) who batted with composure and style on his way to an unbeaten 18. Meanwhile, at the other end, wickets were falling like trousers in Markeaton Park toilets. The Ant was first to go, courtesy of an absolutely abysmal LBW decision from the officiate. He was struck on the back of ankle, trying to tickle the ball down to fine leg, only to see a half hearted appeal by the bowler upheld by the bearded umpire. The Ant made his thoughts known to the official at square leg on his way to the changing room where he booted several plastic chairs recreating a typical scene from the Jerry Springer Show.

White, Scat, and Darts Mason all followed quickly leaving Duffield struggling at 98 for 8. Then the two young youths set about posting a total that the bowlers could defend. Mike Poyner showing some expansive drives down the ground on his way to a quick fire 22. The innings closing on 144 for 9, Elmo getting a rare appearance at the crease to showcase his French Cricket skills.

Tea was delayed until 10 overs into the Castle Donnigton innings, because the local drama group were meeting in the tea room! What was about to happen in the subsequent 10 overs was beyond anyones expectations. The 1st team stars that had assembled before tea had scuttled off for liquid refreshment at the local watering hole were to miss a truly inspiration display of bowling from White and Antill. The first over saw two wickets fall and one chance, albeit a difficult one, go down at slip. White asking questions with his bounce and accuracy, the Ant snapping up a sharp chance at 1st slip to get the ball rolling. The second over brought a third wicket for The Toffs and first of a five wicket haul for the Ant. White picking up his third in the following over leaving him with figures of 2.1 overs, 0 runs, 3 wickets! At the other end the Ant continue to bowl accurately and took another wicket before tea leaving Donnington 16 for 5.

The drama group having completed their afternoon performance, tea was taken. A basic yet fulfilling spread was provided, Max Juniors second helpings testament to the quality of butties on show. A discussion then ensued regarding the large percentage of Aphrodite Gold Card customers present at the table. PC White emerging somewhat enlightened as to his new teammates personal interests. The Ant then introduced the issue of undergarments to the table, and more specifically briefs. It emerged that several members of the side had been ribbed by their girlfriends as to the tight fitting little boys pants adorned whilst playing cricket. The Ant then revealed his green garments for all to see!

After tea, Duffield continued their demolition of the Donnington batting line up, Antill and White both ending with five wicket hauls with the opposition bowled out for 30 in 20 overs. The final wicket falling after the request from The Ant for a wicket for Audrey Maaaan! John White is already looking to be a very useful addition to the squad, his bounce and lateral movement providing the wicket taking potential that has been lacking at second team level for several years. The Ant continues to prove that, even at a reduced pace, he is still probably the best bowler in the side.

Duffield had completed their second 27 point victory of the season, putting them top of Division 5S. They remain unbeaten in four games and look a good bet for a promotion challenge this season with the good blend of youth and experience. An exodus to the 1st XI next week is inevitable with several absentees from the side that played Ticknall on Saturday. The team has a strong core and should be able to withstand this as they look to continue their from at home against Sawley 3rd XI.

Finally, the Tottie Meter. I’m afraid there really is nothing to report, the meter stayed at zero throughout the afternoon, and I personally cannot remember seeing one female at the ground.

Related Links:
Duffield 2nd XI Fixtures
League Tables
Duffield Squad Members